New Zealand's Transport Accident Investigation Commission published its final report AO-2023-007 on October 1, 2026. On June 13, 2023, Air New Zealand De Havilland Canada DHC-8-311 ZK-NEM descended about 2,500 feet below its programmed profile during a night approach to Timaru and reached 1,156 feet in an area with a minimum safe altitude of 2,000 feet. The aircraft, carrying 33 passengers and three crew, regained altitude and landed without injury or damage.
TAIC found that the crew changed from the intended descent mode to vertical-speed mode while adjusting altimeter settings and did not reselect the planned mode. Both pilots then became focused on locating the aerodrome lights, degrading instrument scanning and flight-path monitoring. The report also identified issues involving crew resource management, Air New Zealand's training and Q300 safety management, and the Civil Aviation Authority's oversight of the airline.
TAIC made two new recommendations. Air New Zealand should continue working with De Havilland Canada on a technical solution that allows the flight management system to calculate a smooth descent through transition altitude. The Civil Aviation Authority should also promote, through an appropriate ICAO forum, wider extended-duration cockpit voice recorder requirements for transport aircraft that are already required to carry a recorder.
